Reflecting on What Matters Most in Leadership and Life
As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy, it's an opportunity to pause and reflect on his extraordinary contributions to humanity and on how his lessons and leadership can inspire us to lead with purpose, courage, and intention.
“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As leaders, this question invites us to evaluate where we invest our energy, focus, and attention. Are we building a life and career aligned with our deepest values, or are we getting lost in the busyness of doing, achieving, and striving?
Leadership, at its core, is not about titles or accomplishments—it's about impact. The legacy we leave is a reflection of how we live, work, and lead every day. On this day of remembrance, take time to reflect on what truly matters to you:
What do you want your leadership legacy to be?
Where are you spending your time and energy, and is it aligned with your values?
How are you contributing to the lives of others through your leadership?
Leadership Lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King taught us that leadership requires courage and vision but also requires self-awareness and humility.
"The time is always right to do what is right." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Leadership begins with the intentional decision to align one's actions with one's values and to create a positive impact on the world around one.
"If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Leadership is not about perfection but consistent, forward movement, even in the face of challenges.
Practical Tips to Realign and Reignite Your Leadership Purpose
Journal Daily: Begin or end your day by reflecting on what matters most. Use prompts like:
What values guided my decisions today?
How did I make a positive impact on others?
What do I want to focus on tomorrow?
Create a Success Board: Visualize your personal and professional milestones. Celebrate your wins and remind yourself of the progress you've made.
Reconnect with Your Personal Board of Directors: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and confidants who challenge and support you. Schedule time to connect with them and reflect on their feedback.
Revisit Your Core Values: Identify your top 3-5 values and assess whether your current priorities align. If not, consider what adjustments are necessary to realign with your purpose.
Your Challenge for the Week
This week, take 15 minutes each day to reflect on your legacy as a leader. Journal about the impact you want to have, revisit your values and identify one action you can take daily to align your leadership with what truly matters.
Resources to Dive Deeper
Books:
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
Podcasts:
Unlocking Us by Brené Brown
Other Resources:
Leadership Journal: Encourages daily reflection and intentionality.
Consider how many different pieces of content you see in any given week. See something that resonates with you? Share it with us to feature it in our Social Media of the Week section.
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.